Afya House, the Ministry of Health headquarters in Nairobi
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Kenya has reported its first case of Mpox at the Taita Taveta border crossing with Tanzania.
The virus was detected in a long-distance truck driver travelling from Uganda to Rwanda through Kenya. Mpox, caused by the monkeypox virus, spreads through close contact and can lead to flu-like symptoms and a painful rash. While most cases are mild, the disease can be fatal in some instances. The Ministry of Health has issued a public advisory urging Kenyans to remain vigilant. They emphasize the importance of frequent handwashing with soap and water or hand sanitiser and advise those experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention and avoid close contact with others. The Ministry highlights that person-to-person transmission can occur through direct contact with infectious skin lesions or respiratory droplets.
Historically, Mpox has been endemic to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and forested areas in East, Central, and West Africa. However, recent outbreaks have raised concerns about its potential spread beyond these regions. Earlier this month, Kenya issued a travel advisory to all counties and border entry points in response to the ongoing Mpox outbreak in the DRC, which recorded many infections as of June. The East African Community (EAC) has called for caution in light of this outbreak, urging member states to educate their citizens on protective measures and prevention strategies. The bloc intends to convene a meeting of health experts to discuss the situation, although a date has not yet been set.
Mpox was first identified in humans in 1970 in the DRC. It has primarily affected populations in West and Central Africa, with transmission often occurring through contact with infected animals particularly when consuming bushmeat. However, the virus experienced a global surge in infections in May 2022. This surge was driven by a new subtype, Clade II, which prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a public health emergency of international concern in July 2022. Although the emergency status was lifted in May 2023, vigilance remains crucial as new and potentially more virulent strains, such as Clade Ib, have emerged.
The Ministry of Health's advisory emphasizes the need for personal hygiene and prompt medical attention for those exhibiting symptoms. The public is encouraged to stay informed and adhere to health guidelines to mitigate the spread of Mpox. In response to this development, the Ministry of Health is likely to implement additional measures to monitor and control the spread of the virus. These may include increased surveillance at border points, public education campaigns, and collaboration with international health organizations to ensure a coordinated response.
Traveling from Uganda to Rwanda through Kenya!!! My brain is fried, probably by monkey pox!!!